Screed die pivot removal system

ABSTRACT

The screed box ( 12 ) rides coplanar to the road surface ( 14 ) by pivoting independently of the thermo striper machine ( 16 ). This allows the user to create more uniform lines and reduces unsightly pooling of thermoplastic caused by “rocking” of the screed box ( 12 ). A machined shaft ( 18 ) attached to the screed box ( 12 ) pivots in the pre-tensioned mounting bracket ( 20 ) on the thermo striper ( 16 ). The screed box ( 12 ) pivots axially in this mount ( 20 ) when it travels over a surface ( 14 ), which may be non-coplanar to the plane created by the three wheel points on the thermo striper ( 16 ) as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . To remove the screed die ( 12 ), the pivot mount ( 20 ) is relieved of spring ( 24 ) tension by pressing down by hand or foot the handle ( 22 ) mounted to the pivot ( 20 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 61/228,718, filed Jul. 27, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

Devices for applying thermal markings and striping to roadways and the like are well known.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This design allows the screed box to ride coplanar to the road surface by pivoting independently of the thermo striper machine. This allows the user to create more uniform lines and reduces unsightly pooling of thermoplastic caused by “rocking” of the screed box.

A machined shaft attached to the screed box pivots in the pre-tensioned mounting bracket on the thermo striper. The screed box pivots axially in this mount when it travels over a surface, which may be non-coplanar to the plane created by the three wheel points on the thermo striper. To remove the screed die, the pivot mount is relieved of tension by pressing down by hand or foot the handle mounted to the pivot.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the operator's foot being used to remove the screed die.

FIG. 2 shows the screed die pivot system on the striper.

FIG. 3 shows the screed die and shaft.

FIG. 4 shows how the pivot allows the screed to remain parallel to the ground it is actually applying material to.

FIG. 5 shows more detail of the FIG. 4 view.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The instant invention, generally 10, allows the screed box 12 to ride coplanar to the road surface 14 by pivoting independently of the thermo striper machine 16. This allows the user to create more uniform lines and reduces unsightly pooling of thermoplastic caused by “rocking” of the screed box 12.

A machined shaft 18 attached to the screed box 12 pivots in the pre-tensioned mounting bracket 20 on the thermo striper 16. The screed box 12 pivots axially in this mount 20 when it travels over a surface 14, which may be non-coplanar to the plane created by the three wheel points on the thermo striper 16 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. To remove the screed die 12 , the pivot mount 20 is relieved of spring 24 tension by pressing down by hand or foot the handle 22 mounted to the pivot 20.

The screed die 12 pivots along an axis (denoted by shaft 18) that is parallel to the line of travel of the striper allowing it to rock to conform to uneven surfaces as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made to the screed die pivot system without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. In a thermo line striper having a direct of travel and a screed box, the improvement comprising a screed box mount allowing pivoting of said screed box along an axis parallel to said direction of travel in order to closely follow the surface under said screed box. 